Lint filter for use in washing machines



March 26, 1968 c. E. MORGENSTERN 3,374,647

LINT-FILTER FOR USE IN WASHING MACHINES Filed July 25, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 A 7? Z/IZ for. (kel /ea Z/iafyezzs/erzz March 26, 1968 c. E. MORGENSTERN 3,374,647

LINT-FILTER FOR USE IN WASHING MACHINES Filed July 25, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIEE1 JZZ March 26, 1968 c. E. MORGENSTERN 3,374,647

LINT-FILTER FOR USE IN WASHING MACHINES Filed July 25, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 March 26, 1968 c. E. MORGENSTERN 3,374,647

LINT-FILTER FOR USE IN WASHING MACHINES Filed July 25, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 United States Patent 3,374,647 LINT FILTER FOR USE IN WASHING MACHINES Charles E. Morgenstern, St. Joseph, Mich, assignor to Whirlpool Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Filed July 25, 1960, Ser. No. 44,966 14 Claims. (Cl. 68-18) 1 This invention relates to washing machines and in particular to lint filters for use with washing machines.

During the washing of material such as clothing in a conventional washing machine, a quantity of lint is released from the material into the body of washing liquid which may comprise a soap or detergent solution. Upon completion of the washing operation, the washing liquid is removed from the tub of the washing machine, as by draining the same, leaving the lint deposited on the material. Such deposited lint is relatively difficult to remove subsequently and presents an undesirable, unsightly appearance.

The present invention is concerned with a new and improved lint filter for use in such Washing machines for filtering the lint from the washing liquid during the washing operation, effectively eliminating this troublesome lint deposition problem.

An important feature of the invention is, therefore, the provision of a new and improved lint filter for use in a washing machine.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of such a lint filter which is readily removably installable on the rotatively oscillating post of a washing machine.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of such a lint filter arranged to utilize the agitating oscillation action of the washing machine agitator to effect a straining of the washing liquid during a washing operation.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of such a lint filter for use in a washing machine having a tub and rotatively oscillating post provided with a vane for agitating washing liquid in the tub, including a foraminous member having a central opening slightly larger than the cross section of the post at the upper surface of a body of washing liquid in the tub, and support means on said member adjacent said opening engageable with the vane to support the plate on the vane for movement with the post horizontally adjacent the upper surface of the washing liquid to strain Washing liquid delivered to the upper surface of the foraminous member as a result of the agitating oscillation.

A still further feature of the invention is the provision of such a lint filter including peripheral retaining means for precluding passage of the delivered washing liquid back to the body of washing liquid in the tub other than through the foraminous plate. 7

A yet further feature of the invention is the provision of such a lint filter including resilient gripping means on the plate portion defining the central opening for vertically adjustably supporting the plate on a vane of the agitating means of the washing machine.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of such a lint filter including means associated with the plate for scooping washing liquid from the body of liquid in the tub and delivering the scooped liquid onto the upper surface of the plate.

A. still further feature of the invention is the provision of such a lint filter including float means associated with the plate for carrying the plate to extend horizontally immediately superjacent the upper surface of the washing liquid.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a lint filter embodying the invention mounted on the agitating means of a washing machine, a portion of the filter being broken away to facilitate illustration of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical section taken substantially along the line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section of another form of lint filter embodying the invention mounted on a portion of the washing machine agitator means;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of another form of lint filter embodying the invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section taken substantially along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section taken substantially along the line 66 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of still another form of lint filter embodying the invention;

FIG. 8 is a vertical section thereof taken substantially along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of yet another form of lint filter embodying the invention;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary vertical section taken substantially along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a vertical section taken substantially along the line 11-11 of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary vertical section of a lint filter embodying the invention installed on another form of washing machine agitating means.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, a lint filter generally designated 10, embodying the invention, is shown to comprise a generally cup-shaped member including a foraminous generally planar plate portion 11 provided with an annular, upstanding, outer peripheral retaining wall 12 terminating upwardly in an outturned flange 13. The mid-portion of the plate 11 defines a central opening 14 along the periphery of which upstands an annular, inner peripheral retaining wall 15 which, as shown, may have a height substantially less than the outer peripheral retaining wall 12.

Lint filter 10 is arranged to be installed on the agitator means generally designated 16 of the washing machine conventionally comprising an upright post 17 and a plurality of radially projecting vanes 18 having a downward, generally enlarging S-shaped outer edge 19. As best seen in FIG. 1, the cross sectional configuration of opening .14 and the arrangement of inner retaining wall 15 are correlated with the arrangement of the vanes 18 whereby the lint filter 10 is supported on the vanes 18 for rotative oscillation of the lint filter with the post 17. More specifically, opening 14 is provided with three radially outwardly extending recessed portions 20 corresponding to the arrangement of the vanes on the post 17 and the retaining wall 15 is provided with three corresponding outwardly extending portions 21 corresponding to the periphery of the opening recesses 20. The radial extent of recessed portions 20 is preselected to effect engagement of the portion of the plate 11 defining the opening 14 with the vanes 18 at a preselected portion of edge 19 to supportthe lint filter with the plate portion 11 horizontally disposed immediately superjacent a level 22 corresponding to the preselected position of the upper surface of the body of washing liquid W in the tub T of the washing machine M.

The opening 14 is preferably slightly larger than the cross section of the post 17 adjacent the level 22 permitting a portion of the Washing liquid adjacent level 22 to be forced, as by splashing, upwardly through the opening and over the retaining wall 15 onto plate portion 11, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 2. As the foraminous plate portion 11 is slightly superjacent the washing liquid level 22, the liquid passes downwardly through the foram inous plate portion while line particles are strained out by the plate portion and remain on the upper surface thereof. During this straining action, the washing liquid than through the foraminous plate portion, by the retaining walls '12 and 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotative oscillation ofthe'lint filter '10 as it moves with post 17 causes the strained lint to collect in the form of a ball 23. Z The collected lint may subsequently be removed from the lint filter by lifting out the ball 23. Alternatively, the entire lint filter 10 may be removed by simply lifting it upwardly from the agitator 16, permitting the .lint filter to be flushed as desired. Installation of the lint filter on the agitator 16 isetfected by simply moving it downwardly thereover to the position of FIG. 2 wherein the inner portions thereof engage the vanes 18 to support the lint filter in the indicated position slightly above the water level 22.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a resilient, rubber gasket 24 may be provided to extend around the portion of the plate 11 defining opening 14 and the inner retaining wall 15 to define a yieldable gripping means for engaging the vanes 18 to position the line filter vertically adjustably on the vanes. Thus, the plate portion 11 may be disposed accurately slightly above the water level 22 notwithstanding a variation in the configuration of the vane edge 19 or the position of the water level 22 from the preselected standard configuration and level.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-6, another form of lint filter generally designated 110 embodying the invention is shownto comprise a cup-shaped member generally similar to lint filter 10 but provided with three equiangularly 'spaced scoops 125 extending downwardly through the plane of the plate portion 111 of the lint filter to terminate at a lower end 126 below the water level 122. Each scoop is defined by an'inclined deflector portion 127, an outer side wall 128, and the inner retaining wall 115 all of which extend downwardly to terminate at lower end 126 of the scoop. Directly above scoop end 126, the plate portion 111 is provided with an upstanding radial retaining wall 129. A second radial retaining wall 130 extends between the upper end 131 of the deflector 127 and the plate portion 111 directly below deflector end 131.

' Thus, as the agitator 116 rotates in a clockwise directionas seen in FIG. 4, the washing liquid below level 122 'is deflected upwardly along deflector 127 to flow over upper end 131 and wall 130 onto plate portion 111 through which the washing liquid passes to return to the body of washing liquid below level 122 leaving the strained lint on the upper surface of the plate portion 111 to form into lint balls 123 similar to the lint balls 23 formed in the lint filter 10. During a counterclockwise movement of the lint filter, the underside of the deflector 127 causes the washing liquid to move therewith, so that as the direction of rotation is changed to a clockwise direction, the washing liquid adjacent the deflector 127 tends to move upwardly over the deflector 127,.fi1rther facilitating the scooping action..However, it is understood that the'scoops do not have to be placed in the same direction to accomplish the same end result. In all other respects, lint filter 110 is generally similar to lint filter 10, and numerals identifying elements of lint filter 110 which are similar to elements of lint filter 10are identifiedby similar numerals'but' 100 higher.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, another formof lint filter generally designated 210 is shown to comprise a cup-shaped lint filter generally similar to lint filter 10 but provided with means defining an upwardly opening, hollow float chamber 232 extending angularly about the outer periphery 233 of the foraminous plate portion 211 of the lint filter. The radial extent of the plate portion .211 is somewhat less than the radial extent, of plate portion 11 of lint filter 10 and the height of the peripheral retaining wall 212 of lint filter 210 is somewhat less than the height of retaining wall 12 of filter 10. Chamber defining means 232 includes a U-shaped trough shaped wall portion 234 extending downwardly and outwardly from plate periphery 233, and a peripheral outer wall portion 235 extending substantially the length of peripheral wall 12 of lint filter 10 and terminating at its upper edge in a an outturned flange 213.,The hollow chamber 232 provides suflficient buoyancy to cause the lint filter 210 to float on the washing-liquid with the plate portion 211 disposed immediately superjacent'the washing liquid upper. surface level 222. The recesses 220 of the inner opening 214 of plate portion 211 are substantially larger than the recessed portions 20 of lint filter 10, permitting free movement of the lint filter vertically relative to the vanes 218 while providing limited circumferential movementof the lint filter relative to the vanes. Thus, lint filter 210 is free to move vertically relative to the agitating means 216 to position itself automatically at the proper level relative to the level of the washing liquid in the washing machine tub, while yet the rotative oscillation of the agitator means is transferred to the lint filter to effect a lint filtering similar to that effected by the lint filter 10. The height of retaining wall 212 is made sutficient to preclude the passageof washing liquid thereinto notwithstanding a substantial turbulent agitation of the washing liquid in the Washing machine. As in lint filter 10, lint filter 210 tends to collect the lint in the form of a ball 223 for facilitated lint removal. In all other respects, lint filter 210 is generally similar to lint filter 10 and elements of lint filter 210 similar to those of lint filter 10 are identifiedby similar numerals but 200 higher. 1

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, still another form of lint filter generally. designated 310 is shown to comprise a cup-shaped member generally similar to lint filter 10 but incorporating the modifications of each of the filters 110 and 210. Thus, lint filter 310 includes a plurality of scoops 325 generally similar to scoops 125 of lint filter 110 and a float chamber 332 generally similar to float chamber 232 of lint filter 210. Thus, lint filter 310 functions both by a delivery of the washing liquid to the top surface of the foraminous plate portion 311 through central opening 314 as a result of the turbulentagitation of the washing liquid in the tub and by the scooping action of the scoops 325 which function similarly. to thescoops 125 radially outwardly from the axis of the agitator post.

V The lint filters function in a'similar manner in conjunction with agitators such as agitators 416, as shown in FIG; 12, having vanes 418 provided with. an'undulate con-- figuration. During oscillation of such agitators, the upwardly directed surfaces 436 of the vanes at the washing liquid level 422 provide an improved delivery of the wash.- ing liquid to the lint filter.

Having described my invention as related to the em bodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is my intention that the invention be not limited by any. of the detailsof description, unless otherwise specified, butrather :be construed broadly within its spiritand scope asset out in the accompanying claims.

I claim:

1.' In a washing machine having a tub and rotatively oscillatable agitator provided with a post having an outer most annular wall surface and 'a vane extending from said surface for agitating washing liquid and material to be washed in the tub, a lint filter comprising: a foraminous 1 member having an upper surface, a peripheral portion, and a central opening slightly larger than said surfaceat the upper surface of the washing liquid in the tub to provide a flow passage therebetween; means 'on the foraminous' the.

member for preventing liquid fiow over the peripheral portion of the foraminous member; and means for supporting the foraminous member with the post extending axially through the opening for movement with the-agitator horizontally adjacent the upper surface of the washing liquid to strain washing liquid delivered through said flow passage to the upper surface of said member as a result of the agitating oscillation of the vane.

2. In a washing machine having a tub and a rotatively oscillatable agitator provided with a post having an outermost annular wall surface and a vane extending from said surface for agitating washing liquid and material to be washed in the tub, a lint filter comprising: a foraminous plate having a central opening slightly larger than said surface at the upper surface of the Washing liquid in the tub to provide a flow passage therebetween; means on the foraminous member for preventing liquid flow over the peripheral portion of the foraminous member; and means for supporting the plate with the post extending axially through the opening for movement with the agitator horizontally immediately superjacent the upper surface of the washing liquid to strain washing liquid delivered through said flow passage to the upper surface of the plate as a result of the agitating oscillation of the vane.

3. In a washing machine having a tub and a rotatively oscillatable agitator provided with a post having an outermost annular wall surface and a vane extending from said surface for agitating a body of washing liquid and material to be washed in the tub,ta line filter comprising: a foraminous plate having an outer periphery; a central opening slightly larger than said surface at the upper surface of the washing liquid in the tub to providea flow passage therebetween; annular retaining means upstanding from the outer periphery of the plate; and means for support- I ing the plate with the post extending axially through the opening for movement with the agitator horizontally immediately superjacent the upper surface 'of the washing liquid to strain washing liquid delivered through said flow passage to the upper surface of the plate as a result of the agitating oscillation of the vane, said annular retaining means 'being arranged to preclude passage, outwardly past said plate periphery and back to the body of washing liquid, of washing liquid and material strained from the liquid by said plate.

a 4. In a washing machine having a tub and a rotatively oscillatable agitator provided with a post having an outermost annular wall surface and a vane extending from said surface for agitating a body of washing liquid and material to be washed in the tub, a lint filter comprising: a

foraminous plate having a central opening slightly larger than said surface at the upper surface of a body of the washing liquid in the tub to provide a flow passage therebetween; and annular retaining means upstanding from the inner edge of the plate defining said central opening, a portion of a retaining means defining support means engageable with the agitator to support the plate with the post extending axially through the opening for movement with the post horizontally immediately superjacent the upper surface of the washing liquid to strain washing liquid delivered through said central opening to the upper surface of the plate as a result of the agitating oscillation of the vane, said annular retaining means precluding passage, inwardly past said plate inner edge and back to the body of washing liquid, of washing liquid and material strained from the liquid by said plate.

5. In a washing machine having a tube and rotatively oscillatable agitator provided with a post having an outermost annular wall surface and a vane extending from said surface for agitating a body of washing liquid and ma terial to be washed in the tub, a lint filter comprising: a foraminous plate having a central opening slightly larger than said surface at the upper surface of the washing liquid in the tub to provide a flow passage therebetween; annular retaining means upstanding from the outer periphcry of the plate; annular retaining means upstanding from the inner periphery of the plate defining said central opening and for supporting the plate with the post extending axially through the opening for-movement with the post'horizontally immediately superjacent the upper surface of the washing liquid to strain washing liquid delivered to the upper surface of the plate as a result of the agitating oscillation of the vane, said annular retaining means precluding passage inwardly and outwardly past said plate inner and outer edges and back to the body of washing liquid, of washing liquid and material strained from the liquid by said plate.

6. In a washing machine having a tub and a rotatively oscillatable agitator provided .with a post having an outermost annular wall surface and a vane extending from said surface for agitating washing liquid and material to be washed in the tub, a lint filter comprising: a foraminous plate havinga central opening slightly larger than said surface at the upper surface of the washing liquid in the tub to provide a flow pasage therebetween; and adjustable means on the plate opening engageable with the agitator at any one of a plurality of preselected vertically spaced positions to support the plate on the vane for movement with the post horizontally immediately superjacent the upper surface of the washing liquid at any one of a plurality of preselected vertically spaced posi tions to strain washing liquid delivered to the upper surface of the plate as a result of the agitating oscillation of the vane.

7. In a washing machine having a tub and a rotatively oscillatable post provided with a vane for agitating a body of washing liquid in the tub, a lint filter comprising: a foraminous plate having a central opening, means for supporting the plate with the post extending axially through the opening for movement with the post horizontally immediately superjacent the upper surface of the washing liquid;' segmentally helical scoop means operatively associated with the plate to extend downwardly therefrom to below the washing liquid upper surface, said scoop means having a lower portion opening circumferentially of the axis of the central opening for scooping washing liquid upwardly as a result of movement of the plate, and an upper portion directing scooped washing liquid onto the upper surface of the plate to be strained by the plate in passing back therethrough to the body of washing liquid and means upstanding from said plate for confining'linttrapped thereon.

8. In a washing machine having a tub and a rotatively oscillatable agitator provided with a post having an outermost annular wall surface and a vane extending from said surface for agitating a body of washing liquid and material to be washed in the tub, a lint filter comprising: a foraminous plate having a central opening slightly larger than said surface at the upper surface of the washing liquid in the tub; means for supporting the plate for movement with the post horizontally immediately superjacent the upper surface of the washing liquid; and means associated with the plate for scooping washing liquid from the body thereof in the tub and delivering the scooped liquid together with liquid passed upwardly through said central opening onto the upper surface of the plate.

9. In a washing machine having a tub and a rotatively oscillatable agitator provided with a post having an outermost annular wall surface and a van extending from said surface for agitating washing liquid and material to be washed in the tub, a lint filter comprising: a foraminous plate having a central opening slightly larger than said surface at the upper surface of the washing liquid in the tub; float means comprising an upwardly opening, imperforate, hollow portion of the plate for carrying the plate to extend horizontally immediately superjacent the upper surface of the washing liquid; and connecting means on the plate adjacent said opening for engagement with the agitator to cause rotative oscillation of the plate with the post.

' plate portion.

7 V 10. The lint filter of claim 9 furtherincluding retaining means disposed adjacent the float means to preclude effectively delivery of washing liquid thereinto as a result of the agitating oscillation of the vane. 11. In a washing machine having a tub and a'rotatively oscillatable agitator provided with a post having an outermost annular wall surface and a vane extending from said surface for agitating a body of Washing liquid and material to be washed in the tub, a lint filter comprising; a foraminous plate having a central opening slightly larger than said surface 'at the upper surface of the washing liquid in the tub; support means on the plate adjacent said opening engageable with the agitator to support. the plate, with the post; extending axially through the opening for movement with the post horizontally immediately superjacent the upper surface of the washing liquid; means associated with the plate for scooping washing liquid from the body thereof in the tub and delivering the scooped liquid onto the upper surface of the plate, said scooping means comprising a plurality of circumferential ly spaced, circumferentially extending segmentally helical deflectors; and retaining means upstanding about each portion ofthe foraminous plate between said deflectors to preclude passage of the scooped washing liquid back to said body of washing liquid other than through said 12. In a washing machine having a tub and a relatively oscillatable agitator for agitating washing liquid and material to be washed placed in said tub, said agitator including a post having an outermost annular wall surface, a lint filter comprising: a foraminous member mounted on said agitator and provided with an outer marginal portion and an inner marginal portion defining a centrally located opening receiving said agitator and being slightly larger than said surface to define a flow passage therebetween,

vane means on said agitator for sloshing said liquid through said passage and onto said foraminous member for separating lint from said liquid in a filtering action,

7 and upstanding walls on said marginal portions of the foraminous member for confining lint trapped thereby.

,13. In a washing machine having a tub and a relatively oscillatable agitator for agitating Washing liquid" and material to be washed placed in said tub, said agitator including a post having an outermost annular wall surface, a lint filter comprising: a foraminous member mounted on said agitator and provided with an outer marginal por* tion and an inner marginal portion defining a centrally located opening receiving said agitator being slightly larger than said surface todefine, a flow passage there between, said foraminous member including upstanding retaining walls on said marginal portions for said filter and further including scoop means for scooping said washing liquid onto said foraminous member for separation of lint from said liquid in a filtering action prior to the return of said liquid to said tub.

14. In a washing machine having a tub and a relative- 1y oscillatable agitator for agitating washing liquid and material to be washed placed in said tub, said'agitator including a post having an outermost annular wall surface, a lint filter comprising: a foraminous member mounted on said agitator and provided with an outer marginal portion and an inner marginal portion defining a centrally located opening receiving said agitator being slightly larger than said surface to define a flow passage therebetween, vane means on said post arranged to slosh the washing liquid upwardly through said passage and onto said foraminous member for separating lint from said washing liquid in a filtering action, and upstanding walls on said marginal filtering action,- and upstanding walls on said marginal portions of the foraminous member of confining lint trapped thereby, said inner marginal portion engaging and being removably supported on said vane means.

References Cited 1 UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,119,677 6/1938 Labisky 68-4 2,298,624 10/ 1942 Labisky 68-4 2,299,554 10/ 1942 McMahan 68-53 2,481,979 9/1949 Colley 68-18 2,792,701 5/1957 Bochan 68-18 X 2,909,051 10/ 1959 Altorfer 68-1 8 2,916,900 12/1959 Gerhardt 68-18 2,942,444 6/ 1960 Abresch 68-17 2,973,636 3/ 1961 Devery 68-17 2,971,362 2/1961 Olding 68-18 3,015,2M l/1962 Oles 68-1 3,015,225 1/ 1962 McWethy 68-1 v 3,022,655 2/1962 Gerhardt 68--l 3,086,380 4/ 1963 Gerhardt: 68-17' 1,175,618 3/ 1916 Dewey 68-136 2,025,840 12/ 1935 Wright 68-132 2,219,680 10/ 1940 Caldwell 68-133 X 2,816,450 12/1'957 Conlee 68-133 X IRVING BUNEVICH, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A WASHING MACHINE HAVING A TUB AND A ROTATIVELY OSCILLATABLE AGITATOR PROVIDED WITH A POST HAVING AN OUTERMOST ANNULAR WALL SURFACE AND A VANE EXTENDING FROM SAID SURFACE FOR AGITATING WASHING LIQUID AND MATERIAL TO BE WASHED IN THE TUB, A LINT FILTER COMPRISING: A FORAMINOUS MEMBER HAVING AN UPPER SURFACE, A PERIPHERAL PORTION, AND A CENTRAL OPENING SLIGHTLY LARGER THAN SAID SURFACE AT THE UPPER SURFACE OF THE WASHING LIQUID IN THE TUB TO PROVIDE A FLOW PASSAGE THEREBETWEEN; MEANS ON THE FORAMINOUS MEMBER FOR PREVENTING LIQUID FLOW OVER THE PERIPHERAL PORTION OF THE FORAMINOUS MEMBER; AND MEANS FOR SUPPORTING THE FOARMINOUS MEMBER WITH THE POST EXTENDING AXIALLY THROUGH THE OPENING FOR MOVEMENT WITH THE AGITATOR HORIZONTALLY ADJACENT THE UPPER SURFACE OF THE WASHING LIQUID TO STRAIN WASHING LIQUID DELIVERED THROUGH SAID FLOW PASSAGE TO THE UPPER SURFACE OF SAID MEMBER AS A RESULT OF THE AGITATING OSCILLATION OF THE VANE. 